Study Groups Advisor

International Telecommunication Union; Genf; Hybrid; CHF 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

International Telecommunication Union in Geneva seeks a Study Group Advisor to coordinate ITU-D study groups, deliver expert support, and draft key documents for international telecom policy work. You will work under the PPS department, coordinating with Member States, Associates, and academia to advance ITU-D objectives.

The role requires an advanced degree and at least seven years in telecom/ICT policy, with strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in law, economics, management, IT, international development, finance, or related fields.
• Experience in telecommunication/ICT policy and/or international diplomacy.
• Knowledge of one or more UN official languages and ability to work in English.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ITU-D study groups to ensure effective use of resources.
• Act as expert and secretary to ITU-D study group(s) and related groups.
• Draft documents and reports for ITU-D study groups and TDAG/WTDC meetings.
• Manage outputs, follow-ups, and liaison with study group stakeholders.
• Plan and implement the BDT Operational Plan for study groups, with actions and KPIs.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Multilateral coordination

Project management

Education

Advanced university degree in relevant fields

Job description

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ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.

ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.

Vacancy notice no: 2425
Sector: BDT
Department: PPS
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: TD55/P4/511
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 15 December 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:

• Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
• Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
• Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)

To be successful, BDT must create clear and simple mechanisms to develop partnerships with donors, foundations, and the private sector, and coordinate the delivery of these resources to meet the needs of Member States. The Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skill Department (PPS) provides a forum for Member States to collaborate in our Study Groups. To create the necessary synergy, resource mobilization and project design are combined in this department. The Department is responsible for the strategic planning that will properly position the BDT to accomplish its organizational goals and objectives, fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources. As well, it provides expertise in the areas ICT capacity and digital skills development, essential activity to help to close the Digital Divide. It also undertakes initiatives and activities in the framework of the WTDC Plan of Action and strengthen relations with the ITU-D membership.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the supervision of the Chief, Projects, Partnerships and Digital Skills (PPS) Department, the Study Group Advisor plans and implements the activities in view of the ITU-D objectives and activities, especially ITU-D Study Groups. The ITU-D Study Groups work under the leadership of appointed chair, vice-chair, rapporteurs and vice-rapporteurs, and are supported by BDT focal points and the Study Group Secretariat.

The Advisor is accountable to deliver outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards and foster a collaborative spirit and cooperation to achieve results; and operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules and takes responsibility towards the successful achievement of the delegated assignment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate overall functioning of ITU-D study groups to ensure effective use of resources and efforts and act as expert and secretary to one or more ITU-D study group(s) and related groups.
• Establish and maintain good relations with all categories of participants/delegates and partners in the work of the study groups to ensure the smooth flow of information between Member States, representatives of ITU-D Sector Members, Associates, and Academia and ITU. Explore and manage innovative working methods (e.g. collaborative tools, participatory content development, workshops, remote participation) to improve the services delivered to the membership.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of the BDT in collaboration with others in the PPS and across clusters, as appropriate. Continuously and consistently explore ways in which the study group products, activities and related processes can be improved, and develop new methodologies and tools to meet the needs of the membership.
• Take responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the BDT Operational Plan as far as study groups are concerned (identification and formulation of actions, key results, key performance indicators and assessments) based on which budget allocations are made. Manage the budget of study group(s).
• Assist the chair and rapporteurs of study group(s) in preparing and conducting their meetings, and in managing the work of the study group(s). Assist the Secretary to the study group plenary meetings as well as committees and working groups of ITU-D conferences and other events as required.
• Review and study all contributions and documents received and consult with submitting ITU members as required; decide on their treatment referring to their authors and ensuring that they have been fully coordinated within the BDT as required; and ensure their approval, release and distribution to study group chair, rapporteurs and others concerned. Manage the process through which study groups’ documents are approved for publication.
• Draft documents (reports, liaison statements, questions, recommendations, etc.) for consideration by the chair of ITU-D study group(s). In close collaboration with BDT focal points, ensure the technical accuracy and comprehensiveness of these documents. Prepare reports to TDAG and WTDC on the study groups’ activities and any other matters that fall within the responsibility of the study group(s).
• Manage the outputs and follow-up of meetings on behalf of the study group chair; call upon relevant BDT focal points to provide expert opinions within the terms of reference of the ITU-D study group(s) and ensure liaison with other study groups in the two other Sectors on subjects of mutual interest.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaise with other ITU-D, ITU-T and ITU-R study groups and other groups and organizations on subjects ofmutual interest. Identify opportunities and establish frameworks for collaboration, interaction and
  partnerships.
• Develop and implement strategies and actions to promote partnerships and mobilize resources for the successful implementation of ITU-D study groups in close cooperation and coordination with others in thePPS, other Departments in BDT, other Bureaus, and General Secretariat and ITU regional/area offices.
• Contribute to the preparation of documents to ITU-D TDAG, WTDC, Council, Plenipotentiary Conferences andother meetings relating to ITU-D study group(s).
• Contribute to fostering awareness, engagement, and participation in the work of the ITU-D Study Groups. Thisincludes organizing onboarding and orientation sessions for new delegates; supporting the organization of publicworkshops and other knowledge-sharing events held in conjunction with Study Group and Rapporteur Groupmeetings; and developing communication and promotional materials related to Study Group activities in closecollaboration with the BDT Communications Team.
• Maintain and regularly update the ITU-D Study Group website and online platforms, ensuring that information,documents, meeting schedule, outcomes and other relevant resources are accurate, timely, and accessible tomembers.
• Manage the provision of fellowships, interpretation and translation services for Study Group meetings,workshops, and related activities, working closely with relevant ITU departments and services to ensure effectiveand timely delivery. Manage staff in the Study Group Service.
• Any other additional relatedactivities that may be required to ensure the success of the team.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making

Client and Service Orientation

Innovation and Facilitating Change

Leadership

Networking and Building Partnerships

Planning and Organising

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to organize meetings, write reports, carry out research and data collection, maintain protocol and information flow.
• Demonstrated skills in the fields of database and website development, remote participation, results-basedmanagement, project management.
• Ability to deliver results and have a systematic efficient approach to work.
• Excellent problem-solving skills including a demonstrated ability to understand and analyse complex situations.
• Tact, diplomacy and ability to work effectively with officials at all levels and of different national, cultural anddisciplinary background.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in law, economics, business administration/management, Information Technology,International development, finance, telecommunication/ICT policy and/or engineering, computer science, or relatedfields, OR education in a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of anadvanced university degree in one of the above fields.

For internal candidates a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunication/ICT policy issues or closely related areas involving digital development, international policy coordination, stakeholder engagement, and multilateral cooperation, including at least three at the international level.

Experience in supporting international expert groups, inter governmental bodies, policy discussions, and the preparation of technical and policy documents is desirable.

A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension funddeductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.

Annual salary from $ 86,027 + post adjustment $ 72,004

Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: What We Offer